Indiana Dunes Beaches
15 Miles of Shoreline, 9 Unique Beaches, and Endless Lakefront Adventure
Life in the Indiana Dunes really is like a day at the beach. That’s because here you'll find 15 miles of award-winning Lake Michigan shoreline to explore and nine scenic, swimmable beaches.
Start your morning with a hike up a windswept sand dune, enjoy a swim in the cool freshwater, or relax with a lakeside picnic as the sun sets. Whether you're grilling at a nearby shelter, casting a line from a fishing pier, or just letting the lake breeze tangle your hair, you'll be enchanted by the magic of the Indiana Dunes.
Where Are the Indiana Dunes Beaches?
Ranger Matt shares tips for safely enjoying Indiana Dunes beaches and making the most of your visit.
National Park and State Park Beaches
The Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park offer some of the most beautiful—and accessible—beaches in the Midwest. While both parks share the same stretch of shoreline, each has its own character and amenities:
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Indiana Dunes National Park features multiple beach access points along its 15,000+ acres, including local favorites like West Beach, Portage Lakefront, Kemil Beach, and Central Beach.
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Indiana Dunes State Park is home to a large, centralized beach with lifeguards during the summer, a historic beach house, and access to the famous 3 Dune Challenge trail.
Together, these parks cover over 17,000 acres of protected land, where you can explore not just beaches and dunes, but also prairies, oak savannas, wetlands, and forests. With nearly 2,000 plant and animal species, the Indiana Dunes area is one of the most biodiverse areas in the U.S.
With nine different beaches along 15 miles of Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, it's not easy to choose! This guide will help you decide which Indiana Dunes beach is best for your visit.
Be beach ready. Stay up-to-date on lake conditions, beach closures, and general water safety warnings with our helpful tips, tricks, and links.
Indiana Dunes Parks
The Indiana Dunes National Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park offer access to dune-lined shores and endless outdoor adventures. Here you can explore beaches, dunes, prairies, oak savannas, wetlands, rivers, bogs, and forests. In the two parks' combined 17,000+ acres, nearly 2,000 different species of plants and animals have been identified. That makes Indiana Dunes one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States!
Indiana Dunes National Park
Walk on glacial sands, pushed and pulled by time into dunes nearly 250 feet high. Paddle across a 300-mile-long lake with waves and scenery that rival the Atlantic.
Indiana Dunes State Park
Sand, shore, and the space to breathe—over 2,000 acres of it! This isn’t your run of the mill state park, it’s a place shaped by thousands of years of shifting landscapes and…
We believe lakeside fun shouldn’t just be reserved for the two-legged kind. Here, you and your furry friend will find plenty of sites, attractions, and accommodations.
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesWhere to See Lupines in the Indiana Dunes
- 3 minute read
Each spring, a sea of colorful wildflowers washes across the landscape of the Indiana Dunes. If you time your visit just right, you’ll be treated to one of the most beloved wildflower…
Our Guide to The 3 Dune Challenge
- 3 minute read
The 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park offers a fun way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes. This celebrated 1.5-mile trail takes hikers up Indiana’s three…
Celebrate Summer with Outdoor Movies in Valparaiso
- 1 minute read
Valparaiso Events’ Summer Outdoor Movies series takes place in June and July of 2025, with a showing of the family favorite Zootopia at Central Park Plaza, home to Northwest Health…
More Things to See & Do
Outdoor Adventures
Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from…
Dunes Deals
Shake off the sand south of the Indiana Dunes! Dig up real savings with Indiana Dunes Deals and make the most of…
Indiana Dunes Shop
Don’t just experience the Indiana Dunes; take it home with you. Find your new favorite T-shirt, hoodie, or…
Pet Friendly
There’s a reason Indiana Dunes National Park was named the #1 pet-friendly attraction in the state of Indiana…
Arts & Entertainment
It’s not all sand-fringed lakes and epic sunsets. Here, you’ll find a vibrant arts scene stoked by a…
Drop-in Volunteering
Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!
Book a Place to Stay
Bed & Breakfasts
Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods…
Hotels & Inns
A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or…